All about Philip
Today, we are meeting Philip Marsh, Managing Director of country and equine footwear brand, Chatham. Over 30 years’ of shoe making expertise and design flair inspired by nautical roots and country life, has led this family-run business to become one of Britain’s key lifestyle footwear brands.
Philip, tell us a bit about yourself, what do you do and where you are from?
I’m Philip Marsh, the Managing Director of country and equine footwear brand, Chatham – owned by Marsh Footwear brand. I'm the fifth generation of my family in the footwear industry and have been involved in the sector for more than 20 years. Born in the beautiful city of Exeter and raised in the Devon countryside (aside from my few years living in China, which taught me to speak fluent Mandarin), my country roots and love for the great outdoors marries with a keen eye for the highest quality craftsmanship and expertise with luxury design.
For more than 30 years, Chatham has led the market as the premium luxury footwear brand in the equine industry. Perfecting the art of handcrafted shoe design, we offer a range of classic women’s, men’s and children’s styles. Chatham is also the official sponsor of leading equine shows, Bicton and Badminton Horse trials, and has exciting plans to grow our business in the equine world!
For more than 30 years, Chatham has led the market as the premium luxury footwear brand in the equine industry. Perfecting the art of handcrafted shoe design, we offer a range of classic women’s, men’s and children’s styles. Chatham is also the official sponsor of leading equine shows, Bicton and Badminton Horse trials, and has exciting plans to grow our business in the equine world!
What inspired you to set up Chatham Marine, how did it all start?
The acquisition of the Chatham brand, by my Father and I, took place in November 2007, following a meeting at an Italian industry trade show, where we were approached by the previous owner. Marsh Footwear Brands has a strong and proud heritage working with premium deck shoe styles designed for high-street retailers, so it was a no-brainer!
Our family-founded brand is inspired by the great British country lifestyle, crafting stunning outdoor footwear styles that combine traditional handcrafted techniques with the finest materials and latest trends. Chatham has evolved over the years and now designs some of the country’s favourite marine, county and equine styles.
What is your best seller and what would you recommend as a great everyday shoe?
Our best-selling Chatham shoe is the classic, Deck II G2 Premium Leather Boat Shoe for men, and the ladies equivalent, Deck Lady II G2 Premium Leather Boat Shoe, in the renowned Walnut colorway.
Our G2 deck shoe range is the perfect everyday shoe! Our most premium and bestselling style sits within our G2 collection – designed to be the most durable you can find, with each pair boasting an unheard of, two-year manufacturer’s guarantee.
Expertly handcrafted with the highest quality materials and construction techniques, these deck shoes are built to last, making them the ideal style whether walking around the quay or onboard your boat, or if you’re heading to a country fair or heading to the shops in style. Crafted from the finest oil waxed leather for durability in water, with a true tubular moccasin construction hand sewn on the last with waxed thread, they feature a razor cut rubber sole for unrivalled grip and are finished with best-in-class all leather laces.
Expertly handcrafted with the highest quality materials and construction techniques, these deck shoes are built to last, making them the ideal style whether walking around the quay or onboard your boat, or if you’re heading to a country fair or heading to the shops in style. Crafted from the finest oil waxed leather for durability in water, with a true tubular moccasin construction hand sewn on the last with waxed thread, they feature a razor cut rubber sole for unrivalled grip and are finished with best-in-class all leather laces.
Where can we purchase your footwear and where can we find you on socials?
All Chatham footwear styles are available to purchase directly from our website, www.chatham.co.uk, or in-store in over 200 stockists in retail shops across the country.
We annually sponsor and exhibit at the UK’s leading equine shows, circuiting Burghley Horse Trials, Badminton Horse Trials and Game Fair, to name a few.
You can find us on Facebook, Chatham Footwear, or on Instagram using the handle @chathamfootwear.
What do you do in your spare time & what do you get up to offline?
I’m a keen sportsman, particularly when it comes to rugby and tennis! I support the Exeter Chiefs Rugby Team, who are also sponsored by Chatham, and enjoy playing rugby often myself. Outside of business, I love spending time with my two young boys, Oliver and Henry.
What is your ultimate Hiho love (favourite piece from the Hiho collection) and why?
My ultimate Hiho love has to be the Exclusive Equestrian Sterling Silver Snaffle Leather Bracelet from the Hiho Him collection – a stunning yet simplistic style, exuding elegance and style. The leather braided design and silver detailing makes for a beautiful, luxury bracelet. It’s the perfect countryside accessory!
For women, the Exclusive Sterling Silver & 18ct Rose Gold Plate Cherry Roller Snaffle Necklace is stunning!
The exquisite cherry roller makes a luxurious statement necklace, ideal for country lifestyle complimented beautifully with a double stranded sterling silver chain.
The exquisite cherry roller makes a luxurious statement necklace, ideal for country lifestyle complimented beautifully with a double stranded sterling silver chain.
And finally - what is the best piece of business advice you have received?
Never stand still, always keep driving for excellence!
You can find Chatham on Instagram and online
@chathamfootwear
www.chatham.co.uk